Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to arrive in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday (Oct 15), just one day before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

This visit is the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nine years, with the last visit by Sushma Swaraj in December 2015.

Despite no formal bilateral discussions being planned during the SCO event, media reports suggest that Jaishankar will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the main summit scheduled for Wednesday.

The event will see participation from key regional figures, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

When asked about Jaishankar’s visit, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, said, “I would like you to refer to the remarks made by the Indian Minister for External Affairs on 5th of October, in which he maintained that his visit was meant for a multilateral event and not for discussing Pakistan-India relations. These remarks are self-explanatory.”

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This aligns with Jaishankar's previous statement, in which he said that “he was not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations."

“I do want to say it will be for a multilateral event. I mean, I’m not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations, I’m going there to be a good member of the SCO. But, you, know, because I’m a courteous and civil person, I will behave myself accordingly,” Jaishankar had stated.

<h2>Pakistan's 'comprehensive'&nbsp;security plan for SCO Summit: Complete lockdown;&nbsp;wedding halls, cafes to remain closed</h2>

The 23rd meeting of the heads of government of the SCO member states is set to be held in Islamabad on the 15th and 16th of October. Security measures have been significantly ramped up in preparation for the summit.

In a statement, Islamabad’s Inspector-General of Police, Nasir Ali Rizvi, mentioned that a “comprehensive” security plan had been devised for this crucial summit in the capital.

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In light of the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government has enforced tighter security throughout the country. Around 10,000 personnel, including soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army, have been stationed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A three-day public holiday has also been declared in Islamabad to ensure the safety of the delegates.

Reports indicate that local police and other security agencies will report directly to the military during this period. From 12th to 16th October, all wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been ordered to remain closed.

<h2>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf&nbsp;threatened to hold&nbsp;protests during SCO Summit</h2>

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has threatened to hold a protest on 15th October, opposing the restrictions placed on their imprisoned leader Imran Khan, demanding that the government grant him access to his family, legal team, and doctor.

“Protests during nationally significant events do not send a positive message,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to arrive in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday (Oct 15), just one day before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to arrive in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday (Oct 15), just one day before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This visit is the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nine years, with the last visit by Sushma Swaraj in December 2015. Despite no formal bilateral discussions being planned during the SCO event, media reports suggest that Jaishankar will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the main summit scheduled for Wednesday. The event will see participation from key regional figures, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. When asked about Jaishankar’s visit, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, said, “I would like you to refer to the remarks made by the Indian Minister for External Affairs on 5th of October, in which he maintained that his visit was meant for a multilateral event and not for discussing Pakistan-India relations. These remarks are self-explanatory.” Also read: ‘Trudeau’s hostility to India...': MEA slams Canada’s ‘preposterous’ claims This aligns with Jaishankar's previous statement, in which he said that “he was not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations." “I do want to say it will be for a multilateral event. I mean, I’m not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations, I’m going there to be a good member of the SCO. But, you, know, because I’m a courteous and civil person, I will behave myself accordingly,” Jaishankar had stated. Pakistan's 'comprehensive' security plan for SCO Summit: Complete lockdown; wedding halls, cafes to remain closed The 23rd meeting of the heads of government of the SCO member states is set to be held in Islamabad on the 15th and 16th of October. Security measures have been significantly ramped up in preparation for the summit. In a statement, Islamabad’s Inspector-General of Police, Nasir Ali Rizvi, mentioned that a “comprehensive” security plan had been devised for this crucial summit in the capital. Also read: Two IndiGo flights travelling from Mumbai to West Asia receive bomb threats In light of the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government has enforced tighter security throughout the country. Around 10,000 personnel, including soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army, have been stationed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A three-day public holiday has also been declared in Islamabad to ensure the safety of the delegates. Reports indicate that local police and other security agencies will report directly to the military during this period. From 12th to 16th October, all wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been ordered to remain closed. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf threatened to hold protests during SCO Summit Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has threatened to hold a protest on 15th October, opposing the restrictions placed on their imprisoned leader Imran Khan, demanding that the government grant him access to his family, legal team, and doctor. “Protests during nationally significant events do not send a positive message,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of SCO Summit, Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan includes possible dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif: Report

The Pakistan government on Saturday (Oct 12) warned to use force if jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party went ahead to hold a protest in Islamabad on the occasion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

The Pakistan government on Saturday (Oct 12) warned to use force if jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party went ahead to hold a protest in Islamabad on the occasion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) political committee, comprising of its key members, decided to hold a protest at D-Chowk in the capital on Tuesday if the government failed to meet its demand to give the 72-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician access to his legal team and a physician, spokesman Zulfiqar Bukhari said. The authorities due to security concerns stopped all meetings with Khan, who has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, after the protest by the party over the last weekend. Also read: China, Pakistan push to sanction BLA's suicide wing following Karachi airport attack: Report Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the government would use “full force” to stop the PTI’s planned protest on the occasion of the SCO summit. “The call for protest on October 15 is an attack on the integrity of the country. We will not allow [anyone] to damage the honour and reputation of the country. The state will use all of its power and resources to prevent the invasion of Islamabad,” said Asif while speaking to the media in Sialkot. The politician also called for the courts to intervene and take notice of the matter. “Do the courts not see what the PTI founder is doing with the integrity of the country? The actions of the judiciary today will determine their role in history,” he said. Separately, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the protest call by terming it “political terrorism” which is aimed at maligning the country. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he expressed disappointment at the timing of the protest. “Now there is no doubt that terrorism in Karachi and political terrorism protest calls are similar,” the minister said, adding that both aimed to destabilise the country. Iqbal said the PTI was destroying the economy of the country and urged the party supporters to see the harm caused by their actions. “The PTI is attempting to undermine the government’s economic recovery efforts. It’s crucial to acknowledge the damage caused by these actions and consider the consequences of supporting policies that hinder Pakistan’s growth and development,” he said. The minister also stated that the country cannot afford destructive politics. “Just because the PTI’s leader is jailed, doesn’t justify chaos,” he said. Separately, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Amir Muqam also strongly rejected the PTI’s protest call. “It is proof of anti-nationalism. There is no doubt that PTI’s agenda seems to be anti-Pakistan because the party has declared the protest on this important occasion,” he said. However, the PTI was in no mood to back off and Bukhari said the party was not against any foreign visit but “this illegitimate government” was trying to create a false case of normality when “a former prime minister and leader of the largest party is illegally in prison (according to the UN) along with his wife”. “And to top it off, he has been banned to meet his legal team, doctor or family, which is against all human rights conventions and our constitution. Issues at home need to be solved before faking business as usual. Our only demand is let a doctor or sister meet Imran khan. That’s all. It’s completely illegal and unacceptable. And the world should know it,” he said. Also read: 'Systematic desecration': India slams Bangladesh over attacks on Hindu temple The 23rd SCO summit has been scheduled to be held on October 15 and 16 and several leaders, including Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Iranian First Vice President Reza Aref, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other leaders from member states are expected to attend. The government has deployed more than 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel for the security of about 900 delegates coming to Islamabad. It also deployed army troops under Article 245 of the Constitution, to bolster security measures in Islamabad from October 5 to 17. The federal government has also announced a three-day holiday in the capital starting from October 14 to ensure the safety and protection of delegates attending the summit. The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in the Rawalpindi district from October 10 to 17. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pakistan government threatens force as Imran Khan's PTI plans protest during SCO summit

Pakistan's national air carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that its offices will stay closed from October 14 to October 16.

According to an ARY News report, this closure is in line with security measures Islamabad is putting in place ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

During this period, airport staff will still perform their duties. In a circular, the airline said that its employees working in shifts at the airport will continue with their duties during the closure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:654,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-threatens-force-as-imran-khans-pti-plans-protest-during-sco-summit-766941">Pakistan government threatens force as Imran Khan's PTI plans protest during SCO summit</a>

Furthermore, access to Islamabad's Red Zone area has been restricted to the general public to ensure safety at the conference. Section 144 has been imposed in various cities, such as Karachi and Rawalpindi. 
&nbsp; 
Security measures have led to the country's Supreme Court announcing a three-day closure of its principal office in Islamabad, although provincial registries will remain functional.

Meanwhile, stringent security measures have been put in place at the Adiala jail where Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan is locked up.&nbsp;

To ensure the law and order situation in the federal capital, Pakistan Army troops have been deployed from October 5 to October 17.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:396,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2086}">The SCO Meetings</h2>

Pakistan is set to host the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on October 15-16, 2024. The SCO Meetings will be held in Pakistan's Rawalpindi and Islamabad.&nbsp;

Many global senior leaders will attend the two-day summit, among them India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

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Talking to AFP, Imtiaz Gul, a security analyst and executive director of the Center for Research and Security Studies, said that the meeting holds great significance for a country which is "not seen as safe".

"The government claims to have made elaborate security arrangements and understandably so because it has to make sure that the event passes off peacefully without any untoward incident," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's national air carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that its offices will stay closed from October 14 to October 16. According to an ARY News report, this closure is in line with security measures Islamabad is putting in place ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

Pakistan's national air carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that its offices will stay closed from October 14 to October 16. According to an ARY News report, this closure is in line with security measures Islamabad is putting in place ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. During this period, airport staff will still perform their duties. In a circular, the airline said that its employees working in shifts at the airport will continue with their duties during the closure. Also read | Pakistan government threatens force as Imran Khan's PTI plans protest during SCO summit Furthermore, access to Islamabad's Red Zone area has been restricted to the general public to ensure safety at the conference. Section 144 has been imposed in various cities, such as Karachi and Rawalpindi. Security measures have led to the country's Supreme Court announcing a three-day closure of its principal office in Islamabad, although provincial registries will remain functional. Meanwhile, stringent security measures have been put in place at the Adiala jail where Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan is locked up. To ensure the law and order situation in the federal capital, Pakistan Army troops have been deployed from October 5 to October 17. The SCO Meetings Pakistan is set to host the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on October 15-16, 2024. The SCO Meetings will be held in Pakistan's Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Many global senior leaders will attend the two-day summit, among them India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Also read | Pakistan's use of death penalty among harshest globally: Data Talking to AFP, Imtiaz Gul, a security analyst and executive director of the Center for Research and Security Studies, said that the meeting holds great significance for a country which is "not seen as safe". "The government claims to have made elaborate security arrangements and understandably so because it has to make sure that the event passes off peacefully without any untoward incident," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan tightens security ahead of SCO summit, national airline's offices to remain closed